Common Cold (Coryza)

Question 1

What is the management of a cold?

Answer 1

Symptomatic treatment with OTC remedies e.g. pain relief, hydration, decongestion etc.

Question 2

Are antibiotics useful in treating a cold?

Answer 2

No.

Question 3

What is important to explain to parents when managing a patient with a cold?

Answer 3

That antibiotics won’t help and the disease is self-limiting

Question 4

Why is parent education important?

Answer 4

To reduce anxiety and prevent future appointments for the same problem

Question 5

What analgesics can be used?

Answer 5

Paracetamol and ibuprofen

Question 6

What are the potential complications of a cold?

Answer 6

• Secondary bacterial infection resulting in sinusitis, pharyngitis or otitis media